Logan’s heroes: Arkansas game

After each win, Logan Lowery of the Daily Journal recognizes several players and a coach that had outstanding performances and played a major role in Mississippi State’s victory. Check out who his offensive, defensive, special teams and coach of the week were.

Josh Robinson

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Running back Josh Robinson

Sophomore * 5-9 * 225 * Franklinton, La.

Rushing: 17 carries for 101 yards Receiving: two catches for 17 yards

Logan’s take: Robinson sat out the entire first half after missing practice earlier in the week. But he came on with a vengeance in the second half ripping off a 23-yard run on his first carry. Robinson was MSU’s first back to eclipse the 100-yard plateau this season. Not only did he do all of that in just two quarters, he also served as Damian Williams’ lead blocker on the game-winning 25-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime.

Logan’s take: Whitley has been suspect in coverage the past two seasons and really hasn’t been the same player since returning from his Achilles injury. However Whitley’s 14 career interceptions are tied for the most in major college football and is just two shy of the school record. Not only did he lead the team in tackles Saturday, the strip and fumble recovery of Alex Collins at the 9-yard line going in during the fourth quarter saved the game for the Bulldogs and sent it into overtime.

Tolando Cleveland

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Cornerback Tolando Cleveland

True freshman * 6-0 * 170 * Powder Springs, Ga.

Defense: Two tackles (one solo, one assist), one forced fumble

Logan’s take: When the Bulldogs tied the game with 1:48 remaining in the second quarter, my only thought was could they keep Arkansas from retaking the lead before halftime. Apparently, Cleveland was thinking differently forcing a fumble on the ensuing kickoff which was recovered by Beniquez Brown at the UA 34-yard line. That gave State an opportunity at a score before halftime which they fumbled away at the goal line.

Damian Williams

FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK

Quarterback Damian Williams

True freshman * 6-1 * 230 * Metarie, La.

Logan’s take: A few weeks ago I thought that Williams’ chances at playing again were over with the opponents the Bulldogs had remaining. Little did I know that he would very much become the focal point for the last three games. Williams isn’t ready but has been forced into action due to injury and has handled himself well in the face of adversity. He didn’t take many snaps against the Razorbacks but the 25-yard run he made in overtime for the game-winning touchdown was a heck of an effort by him and his blockers.

Greg Knox

COACH OF THE WEEK

Greg Knox

Running backs

Rosebud, Texas

Logan’s take: Knox’s running back group is deep and combined for 26 carries and 146 yards on the ground against Arkansas. Additionally, the backs had five catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. Knox had an experienced group returning and did not seem to miss a beat when LaDarius Perkins went down with an injury in the second quarter.

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I have covered Mississippi State in some capacity since 2004 and joined the Daily Journal staff in 2013. I enjoy short walks on the beach, performing concerts in my car and watching professional wrestling.